Mahagala Wewa Reservoir (මහගල වැව)

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During the era of ancient kings, Ruhuna was known as the granary of Sri Lanka. It had a wonderful system of irrigation, which helped convert the area into prosperous paddy lands.

The Sinhalese kings developed an irrigation system through which the water of rivers such as Walawe Ganga, Menik Ganga, Kirindi Oya and Kumbukkan Oya could be utilised to the maximum for cultivation. The kings Mahanaga, Kavantissa, Dutugemunu (161-173 B.C.), Saddhatissa (137-119 B.C.), Walagambahu (103 B.C.- 89 – 77 B.C.), Illanga (33-43 A.D.), Wasabha (67-111 A.D.), Gajabahu 1, Vijayabahu 1 and Parakramabahu the Great (1153-86 A.D.) developed this wonderful irrigation system by constructing reservoirs, anicuts and channels.

Mahagala Wewa is situated 25 miles (45 km) from the Hambantota town, towards the northern boundary of the district. It was built by King Mahanaga and later reconstructed by a local king called Mahasen. At present, the farmers of the Mahagal Wewa farming colony receive water from this reservoir for their paddy cultivation in the Maha season. When they experience drought, they have to travel miles and miles in search of water.

This was repaired recently in 1953. The catchment area of the reservoir is 96 sq km., and its area of water spread is 240 acres at the full supply level. The length of the reservoir bund is 3900 feet. The extent irrigated under this reservoir is 276 acres.

The historic Padikemgala Raja Maha Viharaya lies on the borders of this reservoir.

Also See

Map of the Mahagala Wewa

Please click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map (ගූගල් සිතියම් පහලින්)

Show Location (ගූගල් සිතියම)

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Traveling to Mahagala Wewa

Route from Hambantota to Mahagala Wewa

Through : Weerawila
Distance : 37 km
Travel time : 45 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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Also See

Map of the Mahagala Wewa

Traveling to Mahagala Wewa

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